Disease

Insects

Hawthorn(Crataegus sp.)

Leaves are alternate, simple, with thorns or spines.

There are several hundred species of haws growing in the United States. Five
are fairly common to Iowa: cockspur, hawthorn, pearhaw, punctate haw,
and red haw. It is extremely difficult to distinguishbetween the species.

Height: Varies with species, most maturing between 10 to 30 feet tall.
Width: Varies with species, usually nearly equal to height.
Site Requirements: Hawthorns should be planted in full sun to part shade with moist, well-drained soils.

Flowering Dates: April - June

Seed Dispersal Dates: Fall - Winter

Seed Bearing Age: 4 years

Seed Bearing Frequency: Yearly

Seed Stratification: Prechill for 4-6 months at 36°F to 50°F

Found generally throughout Iowa except in the northwest section,
this short tree, with thin, erect branching and a narrow, open crown, prefers
the banks of streams and open hillsides.

The small leaves are narrowed or tapered at the base. The tips are
round pointed and coarsely toothed, and the base is nearly smooth. The slender
twigs are at first orange-green and smooth, later becoming bright chestnut brown and shiny. The
older branches are ashy or reddish gray, with slightly curved spines of chestnut
brown color, 3/4 to 1-1/2 inches long.

The fruit occurs in few-fruited, small drooping clusters. It is
darkred or rusty orange in color with occasional dark dots and two or three
seeds. On the trunk the bark is gray to dark gray-brown and breaks
into narrow, flatridges.

Click on a thumbnail image below to view a larger picture.

Knowledge That Works
The Iowa State Forestry Extension offers many educational opportunities and can also custom prepare forestry educational materials and programs to meet the needs of clients.

Where Can You Find Information?
Contact:
Dr. Jesse Randall by email or call 515-294-1168